Ledo Ground Cracks: Around 100 Families in Assam's Jharna Basti Await Scientific Answers Amid Coal Dumping Concerns

# Ledo Ground Cracks: Around 100 Families in Assam's Jharna Basti Await Scientific Answers Amid Coal Dumping Concerns **By Parbijul News Desk** **Ledo, Tinsukia, Assam | November 6, 2026** A growing public safety concern has emerged in Jharna Basti, a residential locality in Ledo under Margherita Co-District of Assam's Tinsukia district, where cracks have appeared in houses, courtyards and roads, leaving families worried about the safety of their homes. Reports published by multiple news organisations in October 2026 indicate that approximately 70 to 100 houses or families have been affected, although an official consolidated assessment establishing the exact number has not yet been made publicly available. Residents have alleged that nearby coal dumping activities associated with North Eastern Coalfields (NEC), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, may have contributed to the ground damage. However, the exact cause of the cracks remains unconfirmed. ## Concerns raised by local residents According to residents quoted by India Today NE on October 3, cracks reportedly began appearing around September 25, 2026. Dil Bahadur Chetry, also known as Munna, a resident of Jharna Basti, claimed that more than 70 houses had developed cracks. He also raised concerns about changes to the natural flow of water in the locality, alleging that a previously existing waterfall had been blocked. Residents have urged the district administration, mining authorities and the Assam government to investigate the situation and assess whether their homes remain safe. ## Families fear displacement Concerns over displacement in the Ledo region are not entirely new. An India Today NE report published on March 8, 2025, highlighted concerns raised by residents of Jharna Basti, China Basti and Malu Pahar regarding coal dumping and the possible impact on their homes and livelihoods. Jamila Khatun, a Jharna Basti resident, raised concerns about compensation and the future of families living in the area. Tehon Hakhun, the village pradhan of Malu Pahar, also highlighted concerns about the cultural identity and traditional livelihood of the Tangsa community. These earlier concerns have gained renewed attention following the ground cracks reported in Jharna Basti in September and October 2026. ## Administration seeks scientific assessment On October 2, Margherita MLA Bhaskar Sharma visited the affected locality alongside officials from the co-district administration and representatives of North Eastern Coalfields. He assured residents that geological experts would be brought in to examine the situation. The Sentinel reported on October 10 that Professor Sarat Phukan from Gauhati University's Department of Geological Sciences had visited the affected locality. Margherita Co-District Commissioner K. N. Chandana Jahnavi told The Sentinel that the investigation was at a preliminary stage and that the exact cause could not be established without a scientifically supported assessment. The proposed multi-agency assessment is expected to examine the ground conditions and identify possible factors behind the reported cracks. ## Political and human rights groups demand investigation The issue has also attracted attention from civil society and political organisations. On October 7, the Tinsukia District Committee of the International Human Rights Council called for an independent technical investigation and geological and environmental surveys. On November 5, a delegation of the Communist Party of India, led by Assam State Council member Sanjeev Gangooly, visited Ledo Jharnabasti. The delegation alleged that unscientific mining and the dumping of mining waste into natural streams could have contributed to the situation, placing nearly 60 families at risk. The CPI called for an immediate scientific survey, compensation for affected families and safe rehabilitation wherever necessary. These remain allegations and demands from the respective organisations, not established scientific findings. ## Questions remain unanswered Despite visits by political representatives and geological experts, several important questions remain. What is the actual cause of the cracks? How many residential structures have suffered damage? Are the affected houses safe for occupation? Has a comprehensive geological assessment been completed? Have vulnerable families received adequate assistance? These questions require clear answers from the district administration and the concerned mining authorities. ## Public safety must come first For the residents of Jharna Basti, the immediate concern is the safety of their homes and families. A transparent scientific investigation, publication of its findings and appropriate assistance for affected residents are important steps towards addressing the situation. The administration and mining authorities must provide clear information about the assessment, the extent of the damage and the measures being considered to protect residents. Until the scientific findings are made public, the alleged connection between coal dumping and ground cracks should not be treated as an established fact. **Parbijul News will continue to follow developments in Jharna Basti and seek updates from the concerned authorities.** --- **Sources:** 1. India Today NE – October 3, 2026 2. Northeast Now – October 2, 2026 3. The Sentinel Assam – October 10, 2026 4. India Today NE – October 7 and November 5, 2026 5. India Today NE – March 8, 2025 **Category:** Assam News | Environment | Investigative Report **Location:** Ledo, Margherita, Tinsukia, Assam **Publication date:** November 6, 2026